What are the types of dissociative disorders?The term ‘dissociative’ refers to a disconnection from one’s life including memories, thoughts, actions, identity and surroundings. Show
People suffering from dissociative mental disorders experience a disconnection from the above-mentioned areas in their lives as and lack a sense of continuity. Those who have a dissociative disorder will escape their reality through a number of unhealthy and involuntary ways which often results in several issues in functioning in their everyday life. When the sufferer is going through stressful situations in their life, this can often make their symptoms progressively worse and more evident to those around them. Psychotherapy is often the preferred method of treatment and a number of patients are able to live productive and healthy lives through effective means of diagnosis and treatment. In total, there are three main dissociative disorders that have been defined by the American Psychiatric Association and published and defined by the organisation in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).2 These disorders are as follows: Dissociative amnesiaThis condition involves memory loss that is far more severe and evident than everyday forgetfulness. This memory loss cannot be justified or explained by an underlying medical condition. The person is unable to recall information about themselves, events or people in their lives, particularly if these memories took place during a traumatic time. Dissociative amnesia may occur during specific events at a certain time, for example, intense combat or witnessing a murder. In some cases, the patient may lose all memory of who they are. This condition is often associated with travelling away from one’s life or wandering away in a confused state, this is known as dissociative fugue. The term fugue refers to a period in which a person who suffers from memory loss will sometimes begin a new life and not remember anything from their amnesic Episodes of amnesia will often occur suddenly, without warning and are able to last anywhere between a few minutes to even hours. In rarer instances, the patient may suffer from amnesia that lasts for a few months or years. Depersonalisation-derealisation disorderDepersonalisation - This condition consists of an episodic or ongoing sense of dissociation or detachment from oneself. The affected individual often feels as though they are observing their feelings, thoughts, actions and themselves from outside of their own body as though they were watching someone else operate inside of their body, or watching a film of themselves. This condition is often described as an ‘out-of-body’ experience and is accompanied by the affected person not being able to recognise themselves in the mirror. Derealisation - Things and people around the person may feel dreamlike, foggy or detached, time may appear to slow down or speed up, the world may even feel unreal, this is known as derealisation. With derealisation, objects may also change colour or shape and the environment feels unreal to the affected person. The sufferer may experience either one of these conditions (depersonalisation or derealisation) or both at the same time. The above symptoms can put the patient in a state of distress
and can last for a few moments or for a number of years. Dissociative identity disorder (DID)This disorder, as previously mentioned, is characterised by the patient ‘switching’ between different personalities or alternate identities. The patient often feels possessed by these ‘alters’, with each one having their own gender, characteristics and unique identity. Those with this condition may also suffer from dissociative amnesia and dissociative fugue.
References 2. DSM Library. Dissociative Disorders. Available:http://dsm.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.dsm08 [Accessed 23.08.2017] OverviewDissociative disorders are mental disorders that involve experiencing a disconnection and lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions and identity. People with dissociative disorders escape reality in ways that are involuntary and unhealthy and cause problems with functioning in everyday life. Dissociative disorders usually develop as a reaction to trauma and help keep difficult memories at bay. Symptoms — ranging from amnesia to alternate identities — depend in part on the type of dissociative disorder you have. Times of stress can temporarily worsen symptoms, making them more obvious. Treatment for dissociative disorders may include talk therapy (psychotherapy) and medication. Although treating dissociative disorders can be difficult, many people learn new ways of coping and lead healthy, productive lives. SymptomsSigns and symptoms depend on the type of dissociative disorders you have, but may include:
There are three major dissociative disorders defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association:
When to see a doctorSome people with dissociative disorders present in a crisis with traumatic flashbacks that are overwhelming or associated with unsafe behavior. People with these symptoms should be seen in an emergency room. If you or a loved one has less urgent symptoms that may indicate a dissociative disorder, call your doctor. Suicidal thoughts or behaviorIf you have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, go to an emergency room, or confide in a trusted relative or friend. Or call a suicide hotline number — in the United States, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is
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unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesDissociative disorders usually develop as a way to cope with trauma. The disorders most often form in children subjected to long-term physical, sexual or emotional abuse or, less often, a home environment that's frightening or highly unpredictable. The stress of war or natural disasters also can bring on dissociative disorders. Personal identity is still forming during childhood. So a child is more able than an adult to step outside of himself or herself and observe trauma as though it's happening to a different person. A child who learns to dissociate in order to endure a traumatic experience may use this coping mechanism in response to stressful situations throughout life. Risk factorsPeople who experience long-term physical, sexual or emotional abuse during childhood are at greatest risk of developing dissociative disorders. Children and adults who experience other traumatic events, such as war, natural disasters, kidnapping, torture, or extended, traumatic, early-life medical procedures, also may develop these conditions. ComplicationsPeople with dissociative disorders are at increased risk of complications and associated disorders, such as:
PreventionChildren who are physically, emotionally or sexually abused are at increased risk of developing mental health disorders, such as dissociative disorders. If stress or other personal issues are affecting the way you treat your child, seek help.
If your child has been abused or has experienced another traumatic event, see a doctor immediately. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional who can help your child recover and adopt healthy coping skills. Nov. 17, 2017 What are the 5 types of dissociation?There are five main ways in which the dissociation of psychological processes changes the way a person experiences living: depersonalization, derealization, amnesia, identity confusion, and identity alteration.
What are the 4 types of did?Types of dissociative disorders. Dissociative identity disorder.. Depersonalization/derealization disorder.. Dissociative amnesia.. What are the 3 main symptoms of dissociative disorder?Symptoms. Significant memory loss of specific times, people and events.. Out-of-body experiences, such as feeling as though you are watching a movie of yourself.. Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide.. A sense of detachment from your emotions, or emotional numbness.. What is the most common dissociative disorder?Dissociative amnesia (formerly psychogenic amnesia): the temporary loss of recall memory, specifically episodic memory, due to a traumatic or stressful event. It is considered the most common dissociative disorder amongst those documented.
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